GIRLS’ BASKETBALL / CITY 4-A DIVISION : Washington Extends Title Streak to Four

The senior combination of Charisse Sampson and Keshana Ledet was all Washington High girls’ basketball team needed to continue its four-year domination of city teams Friday at the Sports Arena.

Sampson and Ledet combined for 34 points and 20 rebounds to lead Washington to a 56-38 victory over Wilmington Banning for its fourth consecutive City 4-A Division championship.

In winning its 65th consecutive game against a city opponent, Washington used a 15-0 run late in the second quarter to break the game open and defeat the Pilots for the second time this season.

Banning (18-6) kept the score close during the first quarter behind the play of 6-foot-4 center Michelle Campbell, who had a team-high 16 points. However, Sampson and Ledet took over during the second quarter.

Washington trailed, 20-19, midway through the quarter before the Generals began to stop Campbell and took a 34-20 halftime lead.

“We knew that we had a chance to make history, but we came out playing not as hard as we should have,” said Sampson, who was scoreless during the first quarter.

Sampson, the city career record holder in points and rebounds, finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, six steals, five assists and four blocked shots.

“Winning a city title four years in a row is something that no team has done before,” said Washington Coach Phil Chase, who will retire after this season.

“(Sampson) played on every team for us and if I had to make a guess, I would say that she is the connection. “

Ledet finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Shakeisha Chambers added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Washington (28-2) will begin play in the open State playoffs Tuesday night.